Oyster Boy comes to Gasworks Arts Park

MF2024 Oyster Boy Kyle Walmsley photo by D. PrestonA hilarious black comedy for anyone who has ever feared leaving their safe space, Kyle Walmsley and Elizabeth Millington present Oyster Boy at the Studio Theatre – Gasworks Arts Park, as part of the Melbourne Fringe, from 15 – 19 October 2024.

Oyster Boy offers a dark, absurd comedy that dives into the peculiar life of a boy living inside an oyster, bracing himself for the ultimate transition: getting shucked. As he steels himself for this daunting leap, audiences are invited to ponder the uncertainties of life beyond his shell.

This disturbing yet hilarious tale, created by the comic masterminds Kyle Walmsley and Elizabeth Millington, resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to fit in or feared leaving their comfort zone. Together, they have crafted a black comedy that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Kyle Walmsley is an actor and theatre maker and producer having created work with JUTE, Darwin Community Arts, Brown’s Mart, Polyglot, ArtsLink, Canberra Youth Theatre, Corrugated Iron Youth Arts (where he was Artistic Program Manager), The Flying Fruit Fly Circus (where he was Associate Artist), and HotHouse Theatre (where he was Creative Learning Producer).

Kyle was a national finalist in ABC’s Raw Comedy Competition. Kyle has trained in clown at Ecole Philippe Gaulier in Paris, Upright Citizen’s Brigade (UCB), the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and the University of Southern Queensland. His solo work has won awards at Darwin Fringe Festival, Newcastle Fringe and a Territory Performing Arts Award.

Elizabeth Millington is a director, writer and designer. She has created award-winning works for Metro Arts, Brisbane Festival, QPAC and the Adelaide Fringe, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Federation Square, Poppyseed Festival, Next Wave, Melbourne Fringe, Melbourne Festival, La Boite Theatre Company and La Mama.

Elizabeth was a participant of the inaugural Women Directors’ Program at the Melbourne Theatre Company and facilitates the development of new works, with a focus on new work and innovative storytelling.

Oyster Boy promises a unique theatrical experience that combines Walmsley’s award-winning comedic flair and Millington’s innovative storytelling, making it a must-see for those who enjoy humour with a dark twist.


Oyster Boy
Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham Street, Albert Park
Season: 15 – 19 October 2024
Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au

For more information, visit: www.gasworks.org.au for details.

Image: Kyle Walmsley features in Oyster Boy – photo by D. Preston